The Democrats’ Commerce budget agreement today passed out of the Senate. Though this legislation is well-intentioned, it fails to deliver on its promise to lower costs for consumers, and instead, will raise costs across the board through fees and mandates. Senator Gary Dahms (R-Redwood Falls), Republican Lead of the Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Committee, released the following statement.

“Democrats would like Minnesotans to believe that this legislation will lower the cost for consumers. However, this is false advertising. With its countless new mandates and fees, this bill will ultimately lessen consumer choice and lead to higher costs for Minnesotans.

“The Democrats’ Prescription Drug Affordability Board provision is one of the most extreme cases of false advertising. While its title may imply that it will help Minnesotans afford their prescriptions, it will limit access to life-saving drugs and the development of future prescription medications. At the end of the day, this Board will actually cause prescriptions to be less affordable.

“We should be passing policies that protects Minnesota consumers. This year’s Commerce budget fails to achieve this fundamental objective. I see this legislation as another step to set up Minnesota for a government-run, government-rationed health care industry.”